Bear Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (3)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Bear Falls
Bear Falls is a peaceful, photogenic cascade tucked into the Chickasaw Oklahoma Tribal Statistical Area. The setting is quietly wooded and offers a classic Oklahoma streamside experience—great for nature lovers and photographers looking for a short, scenic outing. The property is listed with landowner DESG and carries a tribal land designation (TRIBL) managed under the identifier TRIB, so visitors should be mindful of tribal land guidelines and any posted rules. Access to the falls is friendly for a day visit: the main route is a moderate out-and-back hike of about 2.4 miles with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain, making it a satisfying half-day option for hikers with average fitness. If you want to turn the visit into an overnight trip, Cold Springs Campground (Chickasaw) sits just 1.32 km away, providing nearby camping and making Bear Falls easy to combine with an extended stay in the area.
The Setting
Bear Falls sits at 1,089 feet within Chickasaw Oklahoma Tribal Statistical Area, fed by the Rock Creek, in the foothills of Oklahoma.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Out-and-back trail, 2.4 miles round trip with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain; rated moderate. The route follows wooded terrain toward the waterfall and is appropriate for hikers comfortable with a steady but not technical climb. Surface type, formal trail grade, and trail class are not specified in the available data, so expect natural tread and typical forest-path conditions; check local signs or tribal guidance for any route-specific details before heading out.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a peaceful hike through a natural setting, culminating in a view of Bear Falls. The area may feature lush greenery, especially in spring and summer, and the waterfall flow can vary depending on recent rainfall.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Bear Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Bear Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall is likely to have a stronger flow due to seasonal rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall and watch for uneven trail sections. Check weather conditions before visiting, as rain can make the trail muddy and more challenging.
Current Water Conditions
7 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 37 years of record
5.28 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Rock Creek at Sulphur, OK (4 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
7 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
7 cfs
5/10Wed
Low
8 cfs
3/10Thu
Low
8 cfs
3/10Fri
Low
8 cfs
4/10Sat
Barely Flowing
7 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
7 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Sulphur hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Here the descent is spread out: 3-meter lidar measures about 22 feet of drop through Bear Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 1,090 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 8 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 24 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face west and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,090 feet
- Measured by 3-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 22 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Bear Falls is located within a natural area in Oklahoma. Specific directions may vary depending on the starting point, so it is recommended to use a GPS or consult local maps for accurate navigation.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is not well-documented, but visitors may find parking areas near the trailhead or along nearby roads. It is advisable to arrive early during peak seasons.
Elevation
1,089 feet above sea level
Coordinates
34.510089° N, -96.954460° W
Land Management
Managed by TRIB
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may have uneven sections. Bring water and snacks, and consider visiting early in the day to avoid crowds. Check weather conditions before your visit, as the trail may become muddy after rain.
Where to Stay
Comfort Inn & Suites Pauls Valley - City Lake
Turner Falls Park Villa
Village Inn
Holiday Inn Express and Suites Hotel - Pauls Valley by IHG
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Cold Springs Campground (Chickasaw)
0.8 miles away · 64 sites
Overview Cold Springs Campground is a popular summer campground conveniently located 5-7 minutes from the town of Sulphur. Travertine Creek, directly across from Cold Springs, provides several refreshing spring-fed swimming areas to escape the summer heat. Other nearby attractions, such as Little Niagara and the Travertine Nature Center, make this campground an ideal location for both seasoned and first-time campers.El Camping Cold Springs es un popular camping de verano, convenientemente ubicado
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other natural attractions and hiking trails may be located nearby, depending on the specific area of Bear Falls.
Wildlife
The area may feature local wildlife such as birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should respect wildlife and maintain a safe distance.
Cities near Bear Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Bear Falls
2 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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